‘We are an extraordinary group of people’: Whoopi Goldberg launches All Women’s Sports Network
Entertainment icon Whoopi Goldberg has officially launched the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), marking a significant milestone in the realm of sports broadcasting. The network debuted in the United States last week and aims to be the first global network dedicated entirely to women’s sports, available in 65 countries and operating 24/7.
The Vision Behind AWSN
In a conversation with CNN Sports, Goldberg shared her ambition to create a platform that showcases women’s sports and amplifies their visibility. She emphasized that women athletes deserve representation on the same level as their male counterparts. AWSN will feature both live and delayed broadcasts from major women’s sporting organizations, including the UEFA Women’s Nations League and the Women’s Tennis Association. Goldberg envisions AWSN not only as a sports network but as a movement to elevate women’s sports.
Addressing Media Representation Issues
The launch of AWSN comes in response to the alarming disparities in media coverage of female athletes. Goldberg expressed her frustration with the current state of sports media, highlighting studies that show female athletes receive significantly less coverage compared to their male colleagues. In 2019, an astounding 95% of sports television coverage in the U.S. was focused on men, underlining the urgent need for a dedicated platform like AWSN to correct this imbalance.
Goldberg pointed out that the lack of visibility for women’s sports has long-lasting implications on the perception of female athletes and their potential. By creating AWSN, she aims to foster a more equitable sports landscape where women’s achievements garnet the attention they rightly deserve.
Celebrating Women in Sports
AWSN seeks to celebrate not just the athletic prowess of women but also the broader contributions they make to the sporting world. Goldberg remarked, “When she wins, we all win,” reflecting her belief in the collective empowerment that comes from recognizing and uplifting women in sports. The network will spotlight stories of female athletes who are breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation of female sports enthusiasts.
Goldberg’s ambition aligns with the growing popularity of women’s sports, particularly in basketball, soccer, and golf. With the launch of AWSN, she hopes to fill significant gaps in sports coverage that often go unnoticed by mainstream broadcasters. The network will serve as a crucial platform for broadcasting women’s sports events that may have previously received little to no attention.
Goldberg’s Journey and Future Directions
In addition to AWSN, Whoopi Goldberg has explored various ventures, including a partnership with a Black-focused streaming service and the introduction of a cannabis product line. However, she regards AWSN as one of her most meaningful endeavors. Her hope is that the network will have a lasting impact, encouraging future generations and inspiring sports fans across all demographics to engage with women’s sports.
The All Women’s Sports Network embodies Goldberg’s vision for inclusivity in the sports arena, inviting all fans to connect with women’s sports, regardless of gender. By emphasizing talent and dedication over gender, she aims to pave the way for a more equitable representation in sports broadcasting and encourage everyone to recognize the extraordinary achievements of women athletes.
